Canadian Teen Vandalizes Toshodaiji Kondo Temple in Nara, Japan
A Canadian teenager has been questioned by police in Japan after carving his name on a wooden pillar of the Toshodaiji Kondo temple complex in Nara, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple, which is a national treasure, was defaced on 7 July. The boy, accompanied by his parents, claimed his actions did not intend to harm Japanese culture. Under Japanese law, damaging important cultural property can result in up to five years in prison or a fine.